Greater Scaup. Photo by Alec Olivier
The recent week has continued to prove that October is the month for migrating waterbirds. Long-tailed Ducks continue to migrate in notable numbers, with several days over 1,000 recently. Slow days comprise around 200–300 Long-tailed Ducks, which for any other species is a great day. Common Goldeneye numbers have picked up along with their smaller cousin, Bufflehead. Flocks of these species are a personal favorite of mine, so it’s been very nice to observe them in good numbers. Aythya have still been trickling by, with over 700 Redheads recorded on Oct. 30. The first Canvasbacks of the season were also recorded on Oct. 30. Dabbler numbers are low, except for Mallards which have had several days of over 100 recorded. Red-throated Loons are still being seen daily, with several birds regularly seen offshore on the water. Common Loons are still moving, albeit in small numbers. Shorebird numbers are low, with Dunlins, American Golden-Plovers, and Greater Yellowlegs being the recent highlights. Bonaparte’s Gull numbers have been impressive lately, with a flight of 359 on Oct. 30. The recent push of Bonaparte’s Gulls has contributed to this being the first fall waterbird count at WPBO to record over 1,000 of this species.
~ Alec Olivier
2022 Fall Waterbird Counter
